Reviews

This film was censored in December 2016 in Venezuela, where a judge ordered to remove it from the cinemas. His condition for to exhibit it again was that a few (5 or 6) scenes were removed. The creative team refused.

It is timely to point out that in Venezuela it's only legal to censure "messages that incite or promote hatred and intolerance, crime or war, foment anxiety in the citizenship, alter the public order, ignore the authorities, induce the homicide, incite or promote the breach of the current legal system".

Finally, it is eloquent that both, the judge who signed the order and the family of Edwin Valero (which introduced the lawsuit that motivated this action), later stated that THEY HAD NOT SEEN the film.

Today (17 Feb 17), the possible exhibition of El Inca is still discussed in Venezuelan courts, in higher instances.

It is not easy to encapsulate Aloha in a genre. It's not the usual Rom-Com, although the argument might lead one to believe that yes. The main thread describes the dramatic arc of a man centered on his work, capable of loving, but with difficulty to engage in lasting relationships. In addition, the film explores some manifestations of Hawaiian culture and parody some clichés about military conflicts and conspiracies, with unequal effectiveness.

The speed with which Aloha travels from one genre to another, sometimes in the middle of the same scene or dialogue, must have confused more than one viewer. It is understood that it has not reached a greater success, between the public and the critic.

But Aloha has beautiful details to watch and taste, combining serious and emotive subjects with a fine humor, in a delicate balance.

Also, it is a film with an outstanding casting. The protagonists do their work. Rachel McAdams is charming. It's a pleasure to see Bill Murray. And it is remarkable the discovery of Danielle Rose Russell, a young actress who delivers a memorable performance, to close a light and touching film, that tackles serious issues without taking them too seriously.